Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Costume "Mad"ness

Nominations were announced today for the 12th Annual Costume Designers Guild Awards. The CDG is an amazing organization dedicated to recognizing the hard work and achievements that costume designers provide for movies and television. Actors and Directors may be more widely praised for the work they do in these arenas but we can't forget how visual movies and TV shows are - after all we watch them. Costume Designers provide color, elegance and detail to what would otherwise be people talking to each other. I personally enjoy watching certain shows and movies just to look at the clothing the actors wear.

A few of the nominees I am excited about:

In the "Excellence in Period Film" category The Young Victoria designer Sandy Powell knows a thing or two about period design - she's designed for Interview with the Vampire, Gangs of New York, The Other Boleyn Girl and she won Academy Awards for her work on Shakespeare in Love and The Aviator. Set in the early 1830's the costumes that Emily Blunt (who plays Victoria of the United Kingdom) wears are absolutely fantastic. Big full skirts, lace, ribbon, lots of headwear and gorgeous jewelry are all just part of her wardrobe. Not to mention all the other men and women in the film including Rupert Friend as Prince Albert. I'm a huge fan of period pieces (Marie Antoinette anyone??) and Powell does an amazing job creating the looks for this movie. She's up against some tough comptetion - including French costume designer Catherine Leterrier for Coco Before Chanel - but she's my pick for this category.

Blunt will also be the recipient of the Swarovski Award (previously the President's Award) at the CDG ceremony.

Oh Mad Men... Where do I begin? Janie Bryant, nominated for "Outstanding Period/Fantasy Television Series", is an absolute wardrobe genius. The shift dresses, floral patterns, sweater sets, even Betty's equestrian wear are pure fashion gorgeousness. Plus can the men on that show look any hotter in those suits?? Bryant has said the inspirations for her 60's designs are Grace Kelly, Cary Grant and Jayne Mansfield; which is pretty obvious with the elegant Betty and sultry siren Joan. Bryant is also coming out with a style book which I personally can't wait to get my hands on. Perhaps some of the 60's colors that are featured in the show have provided inspiration for actual red carpet gowns (ahem - mustard anyone?) Even I purchased a Mad Men-esque dress complete with a floral pattern of purples, blues, greens and mustards. There's no denying that Bryant's designs have certainly sparked a 60's revival and isn't that what fashion is all about?

You can view the full list of nominations here. The CDG Awards will be held on February 17th at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, CA.

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